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Hilltop Christmas
Jane Archer isn’t sure there’s a Heaven,and the Rev. Noah Hastings can’t imagine Heaven without her. When Jane Archer comes home to tiny Hilltop, New Hampshire, her goal is to take care of her convalescing grandmother and get back to Boston as soon as possible. She doesn’t expect to be saddled with the direction of the Hilltop Christmas Festival, three days of activities exalting the birth of a God she no longer serves. But Gram asks her to take over the Festival this year, and she can’t say no to the woman who saved her life. The Rev. Noah Hastings didn’t want to come to Hilltop in the first place. Too small, too cold for this California boy. And he has trouble figuring out these Yankees, with their “thin sharp faces and sharper wits.” It’s his first church, and his goal is to amass some “ministerial brownie points” and be out of there. But his early life with his father has left Noah with damaged confidence, and despite his call, he’s not sure he can handle a pastorate, let alone Jane Archer. Though the people of Hilltop have never stopped loving her, coming home reawakens memories for Jane of a childhood no child should have to live through. She feels her carefully constructed world crumbling, even as she resists the pull of Christ on her life. But when the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she’s drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is.
- GenresChristmas
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2023
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen D. Bailey
10 books14 followersI'm a freelance and staff writer with a lifetime devotion to the printed, and now the digital page. Born in 1951, I was a child in the 50s, a teen in the 60s and 70s and a young mom in the 80s. It was a turbulent, colorful time to come of age. I've enjoyed every minute of it, and written about most of it. I'll share some of that on this site, along with book reviews and snippets from my fiction writing. Join me in the wonderful world of words!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 28, 2023
At first glance, Hilltop Christmas by Kathleen D. Bailey is another lovely Christmas romance with a beautiful cover featuring Jane Archer and Noah Hastings, who both have challenges to overcome. Above all else, they are both looking for a place to belong.
But the real star character of this story is Hilltop, New Hampshire, a fictional town based on two Christmas festivals Bailey attended for many years with her family.
A writer can craft a setting based on a real place in several ways (all of which I have done). Internet research, consulting long-time residents of that area, taking a research trip to experience it in person, and drawing on a deep cultural understanding of the place.
This book falls into the last category. From the opening chapter, Bailey’s “beloved New Hampshire” comes to life. Every sentence, paragraph, and chapter is steeped with everything she has experienced by decades of living there. The story is peppered with local colloquialisms such as “feller from away” to describe an outsider. Words are pronounced in certain ways, and there are surnames I’m guessing aren’t found too far out of New England. When I took a trip to New Hampshire a few years ago. I drove through the White Mountain National Forest just as Jane and Noah did. Descriptions of what they saw brought beautiful memories back.
The roadblocks in Jane and Noah’s love story (not the least of which is that Jane is not a Christian, and Noah is a pastor) are not the only challenges. A dire threat to Hilltop itself arises, a brilliant twist that kept me watching and hoping to the end. If you’re looking for a story with engaging leading and supporting characters, romance, a bit of mystery, and a spiritual underpinning woven throughout, look no further. I can’t wait for the next books in the Hilltop series.
But the real star character of this story is Hilltop, New Hampshire, a fictional town based on two Christmas festivals Bailey attended for many years with her family.
A writer can craft a setting based on a real place in several ways (all of which I have done). Internet research, consulting long-time residents of that area, taking a research trip to experience it in person, and drawing on a deep cultural understanding of the place.
This book falls into the last category. From the opening chapter, Bailey’s “beloved New Hampshire” comes to life. Every sentence, paragraph, and chapter is steeped with everything she has experienced by decades of living there. The story is peppered with local colloquialisms such as “feller from away” to describe an outsider. Words are pronounced in certain ways, and there are surnames I’m guessing aren’t found too far out of New England. When I took a trip to New Hampshire a few years ago. I drove through the White Mountain National Forest just as Jane and Noah did. Descriptions of what they saw brought beautiful memories back.
The roadblocks in Jane and Noah’s love story (not the least of which is that Jane is not a Christian, and Noah is a pastor) are not the only challenges. A dire threat to Hilltop itself arises, a brilliant twist that kept me watching and hoping to the end. If you’re looking for a story with engaging leading and supporting characters, romance, a bit of mystery, and a spiritual underpinning woven throughout, look no further. I can’t wait for the next books in the Hilltop series.
November 22, 2023
What happens when you run from your past but must face it at a pivotal moment? That’s the question Hilltop Christmas explores. Author Kathleen Bailey excels at intertwining romance with page-turning suspense. You get more than just a love story, but a “Who-Done-It” that keeps you reading until we discover the perpetrator.
And she spins this yarn with the backdrop of Hilltop, New Hampshire. I fell in love with the quaint town, its people, and the Christmas traditions they uphold. Yet, it wasn’t just the small-town trope I enjoyed about the city of Hilltop, but the honesty of its struggles and realities the people face.
I enjoyed watching the love interest grow. Jane Archer is tormented by her past, but still retains her tenderness for her grandma, Alice Archer, and the people of Hilltop.
Noah Hastings is a godly young pastor with an eagerness to help the community. I like that he’s a fish out of water, So-Cal import trying to acclimate to the winter temperatures and unique traditions of this quaint New England town.
Their love story is tender as they grow into a friendship that blossoms into a relationship. You cheer them on as they discover, despite their different upbringings, they’re compatible. Although on first blush, Noah seems more godly, he needs Jane as much as she needs him. Thankfully Kathleen doesn’t fall for the simplistic arc of Noah saving Jane through his love, but she finds salvation through a hard path of forgiveness and truth. No missionary dating here, but simply loving someone where there are with no strings attached. Their journey is plausible and sweet. And both have obstacles to overcome between each other and in their own lives.
An entertaining, thrilling, and inspiring Christmas read!
And she spins this yarn with the backdrop of Hilltop, New Hampshire. I fell in love with the quaint town, its people, and the Christmas traditions they uphold. Yet, it wasn’t just the small-town trope I enjoyed about the city of Hilltop, but the honesty of its struggles and realities the people face.
I enjoyed watching the love interest grow. Jane Archer is tormented by her past, but still retains her tenderness for her grandma, Alice Archer, and the people of Hilltop.
Noah Hastings is a godly young pastor with an eagerness to help the community. I like that he’s a fish out of water, So-Cal import trying to acclimate to the winter temperatures and unique traditions of this quaint New England town.
Their love story is tender as they grow into a friendship that blossoms into a relationship. You cheer them on as they discover, despite their different upbringings, they’re compatible. Although on first blush, Noah seems more godly, he needs Jane as much as she needs him. Thankfully Kathleen doesn’t fall for the simplistic arc of Noah saving Jane through his love, but she finds salvation through a hard path of forgiveness and truth. No missionary dating here, but simply loving someone where there are with no strings attached. Their journey is plausible and sweet. And both have obstacles to overcome between each other and in their own lives.
An entertaining, thrilling, and inspiring Christmas read!
February 3, 2024
I could not put down Hilltop Christmas, by Kathleen Bailey. Readers are sure to love the characters in this clean, Christian Contemporary romance. It’s an inspirational story about love and the power of forgiveness.
About this book: When Jane Archer comes home to tiny Hilltop, New Hampshire, her goal is to take care of her convalescing grandmother and get back to Boston as soon as possible. She doesn’t expect to be saddled with the direction of the Hilltop Christmas Festival, three days of activities exalting the birth of a God she no longer serves. But Gram asks her to take over the Festival this year, and she can’t say no to the woman who saved her life.
The Rev. Noah Hastings didn’t want to come to Hilltop in the first place. Too small, too cold for this California boy. And he has trouble figuring out these Yankees, with their “thin sharp faces and sharper wits.” It’s his first church, and his goal is to amass some “ministerial brownie points” and be out of there. But his early life with his father has left Noah with damaged confidence, and despite his call, he’s not sure he can handle a pastorate, let alone Jane Archer.
Though the people of Hilltop have never stopped loving her, coming home reawakens memories for Jane of a childhood no child should have to live through. She feels her carefully constructed world crumbling, even as she resists the pull of Christ on her life. But when the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she’s drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
About this book: When Jane Archer comes home to tiny Hilltop, New Hampshire, her goal is to take care of her convalescing grandmother and get back to Boston as soon as possible. She doesn’t expect to be saddled with the direction of the Hilltop Christmas Festival, three days of activities exalting the birth of a God she no longer serves. But Gram asks her to take over the Festival this year, and she can’t say no to the woman who saved her life.
The Rev. Noah Hastings didn’t want to come to Hilltop in the first place. Too small, too cold for this California boy. And he has trouble figuring out these Yankees, with their “thin sharp faces and sharper wits.” It’s his first church, and his goal is to amass some “ministerial brownie points” and be out of there. But his early life with his father has left Noah with damaged confidence, and despite his call, he’s not sure he can handle a pastorate, let alone Jane Archer.
Though the people of Hilltop have never stopped loving her, coming home reawakens memories for Jane of a childhood no child should have to live through. She feels her carefully constructed world crumbling, even as she resists the pull of Christ on her life. But when the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she’s drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 21, 2023
I absolutely loved Hilltop Christmas by Kathleen Bailey. It’s an engaging read…the perfect blend of romance, homeyness, and intrigue. I couldn’t put it down.
I’m a big fan of Ms. Bailey’s books, but this was my favorite (thus far). The storyline is based on some of my favorite themes…forgiveness and redemption. I love the way the author took the mistakes of the characters’ pasts and overcame them with forgiveness and second chances.
When she was a child, Jane Archer was given up by her mother to be raised by her grandparents in Hilltop, New Hampshire. She returns to celebrate Christmas with her grandmother only to discover Gram, who’s recovering from a broken hip, needs Jane to chair the planning of the annual Christmas Hilltop celebration. Jane agrees, but wishes she hadn’t when she discovers one of the committee members is the new, handsome, and single pastor of Hilltop Community Church, Noah Hastings. Although attracted to one another, both Noah and Jane have secrets and past hurts that drive them apart.
Combine the chance of an unlikely romance with the return of Jane’s mother, the theft of the funds for the Hilltop Christmas Pageant, and Gram’s arrest, and Ms. Bailey gives the reader an engaging story that one can’t put down. The ideal book to get the reader into the Christmas spirit.
And…I thought I had figured out the mystery of the stolen money, but I was completely surprised.
I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a review. The above statements are my honest opinions.
I’m a big fan of Ms. Bailey’s books, but this was my favorite (thus far). The storyline is based on some of my favorite themes…forgiveness and redemption. I love the way the author took the mistakes of the characters’ pasts and overcame them with forgiveness and second chances.
When she was a child, Jane Archer was given up by her mother to be raised by her grandparents in Hilltop, New Hampshire. She returns to celebrate Christmas with her grandmother only to discover Gram, who’s recovering from a broken hip, needs Jane to chair the planning of the annual Christmas Hilltop celebration. Jane agrees, but wishes she hadn’t when she discovers one of the committee members is the new, handsome, and single pastor of Hilltop Community Church, Noah Hastings. Although attracted to one another, both Noah and Jane have secrets and past hurts that drive them apart.
Combine the chance of an unlikely romance with the return of Jane’s mother, the theft of the funds for the Hilltop Christmas Pageant, and Gram’s arrest, and Ms. Bailey gives the reader an engaging story that one can’t put down. The ideal book to get the reader into the Christmas spirit.
And…I thought I had figured out the mystery of the stolen money, but I was completely surprised.
I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a review. The above statements are my honest opinions.
February 1, 2024
Hilltop Christmas by author Kathleen D. Bailey is Book 1 in the Hilltop Series. This is a Christian Contemporary romance, mystery, suspense, and more. The setting is Hilltop, New Hampshire, a lovely fictional town. After reading this, I want to go see New Hampshire myself.
This is the story of Jane and Noah. Jane comes to Hilltop to help her grandmother, who has broken her hip. Her grandmother normally heads up the holiday festival planning board. Jane is not a faithful Christian. Noah has accepted a position as Pastor of the local church. This is his first church.
The author’s style of writing is easy to follow. Her characters are expertly crafted and well defined. They are relatable, and I found myself invested in them and their story. Conversations sounded realistic. Surprises and twists are woven throughout the story as well as a Christian message.
The story is well thought, well organized, and well written. It was entertaining and ended up being a page turner. The mystery kept me guessing. I highly recommend this wonderful book. It would be a nice book club selection. The conversation topics are wide. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is the story of Jane and Noah. Jane comes to Hilltop to help her grandmother, who has broken her hip. Her grandmother normally heads up the holiday festival planning board. Jane is not a faithful Christian. Noah has accepted a position as Pastor of the local church. This is his first church.
The author’s style of writing is easy to follow. Her characters are expertly crafted and well defined. They are relatable, and I found myself invested in them and their story. Conversations sounded realistic. Surprises and twists are woven throughout the story as well as a Christian message.
The story is well thought, well organized, and well written. It was entertaining and ended up being a page turner. The mystery kept me guessing. I highly recommend this wonderful book. It would be a nice book club selection. The conversation topics are wide. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 5, 2024
“A Hilltop Christmas” is a heartwarming blend of romance and mystery. I enjoyed visiting Hilltop, New Hampshire, and feel like I’m part of the community.
How can you go wrong with a backdrop of an annual Christmas festival? The answer is you can’t. I love Christmastime and the Christian meaning, customs, and nostalgic feelings that comes from it.
Noah and Jane are relatable and endearing characters, each on a path of new beginnings. I connected with them easily and rooted for their connection. Their romance is sweet and kept me engaged and invested.
The mystery element avoided predictability and delivered twists that left me surprised and satisfied, but what sets I love the most is the elements of faith. I love the authentic journey of growth and forgiveness. This is a great choice for those who crave a fulfilling redemption story.
First Lines: “You want me to what?” Jane Archer stared at her grandmother.
Series: Hilltop Series, book 1
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense, Christmas Romance
Author: Kathleen D. Bailey
Page Count: 306
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
How can you go wrong with a backdrop of an annual Christmas festival? The answer is you can’t. I love Christmastime and the Christian meaning, customs, and nostalgic feelings that comes from it.
Noah and Jane are relatable and endearing characters, each on a path of new beginnings. I connected with them easily and rooted for their connection. Their romance is sweet and kept me engaged and invested.
The mystery element avoided predictability and delivered twists that left me surprised and satisfied, but what sets I love the most is the elements of faith. I love the authentic journey of growth and forgiveness. This is a great choice for those who crave a fulfilling redemption story.
First Lines: “You want me to what?” Jane Archer stared at her grandmother.
Series: Hilltop Series, book 1
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense, Christmas Romance
Author: Kathleen D. Bailey
Page Count: 306
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
June 14, 2024
Jane and Noah's story pulled me in from the beginning. I thought it was just another Christmas book from the looks of it but as I began to read it, I could tell it was much more! I was unfamiliar with this author but now, I want to read more of her books! She crafts wonderful, realistic characters and multi-layered towns that has you up reading late into the night to discover what's on the next page! It wasn't just Jane and Noah I wanted to learn more about but also the townspeople that had a large part in the story. Jane's Gram was a jewel. She knew just the right things to say and do at just the right time, even though Jane didn't always think so. Jane had been abandoned by her mother at a young age and Gram had saved her, but it left a mark. Noah's father had been condescending and unsupportive when Noah chose to be a pastor - will he change his mind at any time? Will Noah ever get out of New Hampshire and on to a bigger church like he wants? There's also a wonderful mystery going on during the Christmas Festival that I found fascinating which reeled me in even more! A lovely book that was so much more than the cover!
December 14, 2023
I had no idea I would just sink into this book not want to leave. The story begins in a deceptively easy way as Jane comes back to Hilltop to help her grandmother. However, the grandmother foists the job of festival chairperson unto Jane and Jane cannot refuse. She is more than capable of doing the job but the tension ramps up when Jane is distracted by the new pastor and further when Jane's grandmother is accused of a crime. While her grandmother is a tower of strength under the circumstances, Jane pokes around in an effort to find the real perpetrator. That leads to her being threatened and the danger intensifies so that I couldn't put the book down! There's a deep spiritual message as well which makes the whole story so emotionally satisfying. Very well done!
January 29, 2024
A romance worth reading plus so much more. The characters are well defined and believable, plus there is depth to them, which holds your interest throughout the book. The added suspense relating to the grandmother was a nice surprise. The setting was so well described, it made me want to move to Hilltop, even though it's a fictional town. It's rare to have the opportunity to read such as well written, clean romance with a Christian message and a small town setting. Five stars -- this novel earns every one of them.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publishers. My comments are an independent and honest review.
February 5, 2024
I thought the story was good. I liked how Jane learned to let down her walls as she let Noah help her plan the festival and as she learned to open up about her past. I liked that the book had moments of healing for the characters so they could see the good around them and remember why they celebrate Christmas. I also liked the small town setting where we got to image a small town come to life each year for a Christmas festival. Overall, it was a good story with a few unexpected twist.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
April 6, 2024
Jane Archer has a past she’d rather forget. But when she arrives in the town of Hilltop, NH to care for her grandmother who’d raised her, the memories won’t stay at bay. Especially when Jane’s mother decides to come home to die.
Part of the reason for Jane’s return to Hilltop is to take over Gram’s position as the director of the town’s Christmas Festival. This puts Jane smack in the sights of the town’s new pastor, Noah Hastings who is experiencing his own family issues.
The story Hilltop Christmas explores the depth of pain some carry through life and the forgiveness only God can provide. Add to that a little sabotage and a lot of romance and you’ve got a good read!
Part of the reason for Jane’s return to Hilltop is to take over Gram’s position as the director of the town’s Christmas Festival. This puts Jane smack in the sights of the town’s new pastor, Noah Hastings who is experiencing his own family issues.
The story Hilltop Christmas explores the depth of pain some carry through life and the forgiveness only God can provide. Add to that a little sabotage and a lot of romance and you’ve got a good read!
December 16, 2023
Life
Hilltop Christmas was such an amazing read. Real life twists, turns, disappoints,sadness, reconciliation with God and families. The valley of the shadow death and victory of going through knowing God is with them. Old painful hurts and finally knowing Jesus as savior and walking in forgiveness and joy in the Lord. This book is real life issues dealt with through fear, betrayal, the wonder of Jesus and all He took upon Himself for us.
#Kathleen D. Bailey amazing read. Thank you. Looking forward to more.
Hilltop Christmas was such an amazing read. Real life twists, turns, disappoints,sadness, reconciliation with God and families. The valley of the shadow death and victory of going through knowing God is with them. Old painful hurts and finally knowing Jesus as savior and walking in forgiveness and joy in the Lord. This book is real life issues dealt with through fear, betrayal, the wonder of Jesus and all He took upon Himself for us.
#Kathleen D. Bailey amazing read. Thank you. Looking forward to more.
February 6, 2024
"Hilltop Christmas" by Kathleen D. Bailey is a great holiday read/gift for those who plan ahead. A quaint small town and a holiday festival create a magical backdrop for the story of two people searching for meaning in their lives, never imagining they'd end up thrown together by this town and its traditions. This story of family, community, love, and faith is a fun, heartwarming read. Bailey's characters are real and engaging, drawing me in from the beginning. Her quick-moving plot kept me turning pages for hours. I highly recommend this holiday story, even if it isn't Christmas.
January 31, 2024
With this being a new-to-me author, I had no idea what to expect and can say I was not disappointed! The story, entertaining in itself, deals with real life issues, always pointing the reader to the One faithful to forgive, restore and redeem, unconditionally. I recommend this book to any and every reader, no matter your genre of preference!
February 10, 2024
A sweet story of finding faith when you've given up...and holding on to your faith when life fights you every step of the way.
There were a few spots where the writing struck me as odd, but I loved the town and the idea of such a big Christmas festival. Bless small towns!
There were a few spots where the writing struck me as odd, but I loved the town and the idea of such a big Christmas festival. Bless small towns!
May 30, 2024
This book just swallowed me whole. I literally spend the whole day invested in Noah and Jane’s story and didn’t want it to end. Set in a very snowy town this sweet story has everything including a mystery and a plot twist I didn’t see coming.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews